Here are some pics of one of the lemons (both pretty much the same). One of the tree, and one of the dropped leaves. The tree has lost > 50% of its leaves, starting around the beginning of March. Prior to that it was well leafed out, and appeared to be doing well.

Thoughts?

There is no glaring single cause for the tree's problem that I can see. I do notice that the foliage portion of the tree is at and above the level of the window, but the container is below the level of the window, which is an prime cause of WLD. Second, the tree looks to be very under fertilized. Even the leaves that remain on the tree, are showing a very dull pastel shade of green. Third, either the medium has compressed to the point that now it only fills approximately 1/2 of the container's volume, or that the container was never filled when the tree was first planted. If the medium has compressed that much, I wonder what the oxygen level at the root zone is. Lastly, when was the last time you flushed out the container with clean clear water , but that may not be a problem because, I don't see burnt leaf tips of margins on the leaves that still remain attached to the tree. It is hard to determine much from the leaves on the floor, as I don't know how long they have been detached. - Millet

What I see: Bone dry. Way too small a pot, and what appears to be spider mite affectation on the leaves (see the spotted leaves). This tree needs 911 assistance immediately, or it's a goner. Spray with hort oil well, all over. Repot immediately in twice as large a pot with well draining mix. Fertilize with 1/2 strength Dyna Gro Foliage Pro. And pray. If you can start to move this tree outside to some sunshine, gradually increasing the hours of sun (start with just a couple of hours the first day) if temps allow, that will help. Continue watering with 1/2 strength fertilizer with every watering. Over a 2 to 3 week period of time, you should have the tree out in full sun.

Patty, the spots on the leaves seem to be overly large spots to be caused by mites, plus I also don't see any webs. As to the dryness, Steve has been watering the tree every 2 to 3 days. The top of the root ball looks dry, because Steve let the potting soil dry down so he could safely pull the tree from the container for root inspection. Otherwise the medium's watering has been maintained.If the tree had been suffering from mites, Steve can comment. . - Millet

It looks very under nourished, and the soil looks terrible. If you ask me potting soil is the worst medium you can use for citrus.

From many years of trial, the best I have found that drains very well is Miracle-Gro Garden Soil.

I would pull that tree out of the container & spray all the soil off the root ball & replant with the garden soil. Just my two cents, but it works very well for me.

Laaz you have mentioned Miracle Grow Garden Soil several times. I see it for sale at our local center but have never tried it. I have always purchased Miracle Grow Potting Soil to mix with cedar mulch. Miracle Grow potting soil is OK when blended with a coarse material like CHC or Cedar mulch, but I really don't like it used by itself. You have peaked my interest, and I am going to purchase a couple bags of MG Garden soil and give it a try with the cedar mulch mix. The MG garden soil might make a better combination. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll let you know what I think after I use it. - Millet

Millet, if the spider mite infestation is bad enough, the spots can be larger. And, the potting mix I use specifically is EB Stone's Cactus Mix, but I agree with you Millet, Laaz has peaked my interest as well, and you cannot deney his great success with his seedlings and grafted trees. So, I'm going to search back for the photo of the front of the bag your provided, Laaz, and go pick myself up a few bags. Millet, where do your find your cedar chips?

Thanks, Laaz

Today I purchased 4 X 2-cu.ft. bags of cedar mulch and 3 bags of Miracle Grow (MG) potting soil, to make a 50:50 mix, for a order of trees that should be arriving tomorrow. I also purchased a 2 cu.ft. bag of Miracle Grow Garden soil, that Laaz writes about. The Garden Soil really surprised me. I thought that it was actually soil (dirt). Actually, it is much like the 50:50 mix that I blend.The MG Garden Soil is a blend of peat moss, wood fibers (either conifer or cedar), with some manure added. The basic difference, besides the added manure, is that the MG Garden Soil is made up of finer materials , therefore not as coarse as the 50:50 Cedar/peat mix. I can see that the Garden Soil would have very good drainage. It would be a good blend for most any plant requiring good drainage, plus good water holding capacity. Good product, and a good tip by Laazt. - Millet

I don't mix my soil & have had very good results with it.

Thanks Laaz,

I appreciate the MG soil tip.

What good advice here...glad to see Millet and Laaz still here with all their knowledge. Thank you...and it's still snowing in Minnesota

And 80F here today.